More than 12,500 parade participants and 195 floats marched along Liverpool, Oxford and Flinders Streets in a colourful celebration of diversity during the 40th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.

NSW Police said they were pleased with the behaviour of most people attending this year’s event.

Operation Langdale, a high-visibility policing operation, was in place for the event with about 1000 officers deployed to provide a safe and secure environment across the parade route and surrounding areas.

Operation Langdale Commander, Assistant Commissioner Tony Crandell, said police worked closely with event organisers in the lead up to the parade.

“There was extensive planning and collaboration between stakeholders with a shared focus on delivering a safe and fun Mardi Gras for the 40th anniversary, and I’m pleased we were able to achieve that with few exceptions,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.

“Spectators and participants enjoyed great weather for the parade which also meant bumper crowds.”